Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Thomas Molloy

Winter Hill fire near Bolton was 'started deliberately'

An investigation has been launched into yesterday's fire at Winter Hill.

Around 40 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze, near the Blue Lagoon, in Belmont at around 2.25pm on Friday (March 27).

Flames reached heights of six metres and approximately 2km of moorland was destroyed, according to fire officials.

It was initially believed to have been started by a BBQ but it is now being treated as deliberate and an investigation has been launched.

A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Fire Scene Investigation team tweeted: "Fire Investigation team assisted Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service investigate the wildfire near Blue lagoon Belmont yesterday.

"Based on info gathered we concluded the fire was started deliberately, by the car park.

"If you witnessed anything please contact Lancashire Police or Crimestoppers quoting 805."

Around eight fire engines remained at the scene until the fire was eventually extinguished just before 8pm.

Police said they were prepared to fine anyone not following current regulations at the scene.

Winter Hill was also the scene of devastating fires in the summer of 2018.

Lancashire Police has been contacted for comment.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.